NCTAhttp://newborncaretraining.com
Tue, 31 Jul 2018 01:45:25 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8From Nanny to Newborn Care Specialisthttp://newborncaretraining.com/2018/07/31/nanny-newborn-care-specialist/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2018/07/31/nanny-newborn-care-specialist/#respondTue, 31 Jul 2018 01:45:25 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2432There are many paths toward becoming a Newborn Care Specialist. Some of us began our careers as a doula, others spent years as “baby nurses” without knowing there’s a certification and an entire community dedicated to professional newborn care. However, the most common career path I’ve seen is Nanny to Newborn Care Specialist. Differences Between […]

]]>There are many paths toward becoming a Newborn Care Specialist. Some of us began our careers as a doula, others spent years as “baby nurses” without knowing there’s a certification and an entire community dedicated to professional newborn care. However, the most common career path I’ve seen is Nanny to Newborn Care Specialist.

Differences Between Nanny Jobs and NCS Jobs

The biggest, and most obvious difference is that NCS jobs are exclusive to newborns, typically birth to 3 months, which nanny work can be for children of all ages. This also means that the type of work is very different. While many nannies spend their days picking children up from school and running errands, newborn care specialists exclusively care for babies. Therefore, the tasks assigned to a NCS are specific and require training.

This leads into the second significant difference – professional newborn care requires experience and education. Most nanny positions simply require some basic experience babysitting and likely your own transportation, but to be a NCS, most families require formal training through an accredited education provider and at least two years of caring for newborns.

Advantages of Becoming a Newborn Care Specialist

So why have so many nannies decided to take the leap and become a newborn care specialist? The biggest reason is better pay. Newborn care specialists, on average, charge twice the hourly rate of a nanny. The overall rate is largely dictated by education and experience but the pay differential is clear. Newborn care specialists also have a distinct pathway for career development that allows them to advance their career with additional training as they gain experience. This includes seeking professional certification as an ICNCS or getting advanced training in areas such as lactation and newborn sleep.

Another significant advantage to NCS work is contract length. With shorter contracts, you have more autonomy over your own schedule. If you want to take a month off, it’s entirely up to you. This is great for individuals who love to travel or prefer to work intermittently.

Lastly, you get to work with babies! This isn’t always the most fun job, but to care for a newborn is a special job. Helping a family adjust to life with a newborn is a meaningful task that they’ll appreciate for a lifetime.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Newborn Care Specialist

While becoming a NCS is a great choice for most nannies, it isn’t for everyone. Much of the work is during the night time hours. While this might be great for some people, most people prefer to work during the day.

As previously mentions, newborn care contracts are usually only three months. This could also be an advantage if you prefer variety, but some caregivers prefer long term contracts for the purpose of stability.

Steps to start

Now that you’re familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a newborn care specialist, it’s time to decide if becoming a NCS is right for you. You can start your NCS journey through in-person training in a city near you or you can start online NCS classes to learn at your own pace.

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2018/07/31/nanny-newborn-care-specialist/feed/0FINALLY – Accreditation for Newborn Care Specialists!http://newborncaretraining.com/2018/02/01/accreditation-newborn-care-specialists/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2018/02/01/accreditation-newborn-care-specialists/#respondThu, 01 Feb 2018 02:18:18 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2363Accreditation, what does it mean for you and the Newborn Care Training Academy? Accreditation is a milestone the Newborn Care Specialist field has been working toward for years and we’re proud to announce the Newborn Care Training Academy is the first newborn care education organization to become nationally accredited! After nearly two years of hard work, […]

]]>Accreditation, what does it mean for you and the Newborn Care Training Academy?

Accreditation is a milestone the Newborn Care Specialist field has been working toward for years and we’re proud to announce the Newborn Care Training Academy is the first newborn care education organization to become nationally accredited! After nearly two years of hard work, our program has undergone the requirements set forth by the Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE) and was awarded accreditation in January 2018.

So what does this mean for you?

New Standards for NCS Training and Testing – Accreditation is a major step in developing the Newborn Care Specialist profession as a recognized career. Part of this process includes implementing new standards for training and testing to ensure students are fully prepared as Newborn Care Specialists and positively represent our profession.

Continued Quality Assurance – Our program will routinely conduct audits for areas of improvement. In addition to the recommendations based off student feedback, we now utilize external auditors to review course content as well as teaching and evaluation methods.

You may be familiar with organizations like Lamaze International, Healthy Children’s Project, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or Association of Child Life Professionals, all of which are ICE accredited organizations. We are excited to join the ranks of so many wonderful educational institutions across the United States. We look forward to continuing our journey to promote professionalism and higher standards in the Newborn Care Specialist industry.

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2018/02/01/accreditation-newborn-care-specialists/feed/0Benefits of Hiring a Mentor for Your NCS Businesshttp://newborncaretraining.com/2017/05/04/benefits-hiring-mentor-ncs-business/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/05/04/benefits-hiring-mentor-ncs-business/#respondThu, 04 May 2017 14:24:15 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2207The benefits of hiring a mentor for your Newborn Care Specialist business are numerous. Starting a business can be scary and confusing. A mentor can ease your mind by teaching you all you need to know to do it right! Benefits of Hiring a Mentor For Your NCS Business Every aspect of being a Newborn […]

]]>The benefits of hiring a mentor for your Newborn Care Specialist business are numerous. Starting a business can be scary and confusing. A mentor can ease your mind by teaching you all you need to know to do it right!

Benefits of Hiring a Mentor For Your NCS Business

Every aspect of being a Newborn Care Specialist requires a certain level of expertise. That includes running the business portion of your enterprise. Many individuals become well-trained and experienced in the NCS field. But they struggle when it comes to successfully running their businesses. Usually, this is simply because they lack the specific experience required. This is when it is wise to seek the help of someone who has been down that road before you. As your mentor, they can share the knowledge, wisdom, and business acumen they have gained through experience, and help you benefit from their expertise.

What Is a Mentor?

The perfect mentor for your Newborn Care Specialist business is someone who understands both aspects of your business. They need to understand your work as an NCS, as well as what it takes to successfully promote and run an NCS business. There are many individuals who prefer to use their NCS skills with an agency where they don’t have to worry about the business-end of a practice. But if you prefer the idea of running your own operation and perhaps even having your own staff at some point down the road, there are many requirements, both legal and professional that you will need to address. A mentor can guide you through the mazes that may seem so daunting at first.

When you are selecting the mentor you need, keep in mind that you aren’t just looking for an an experienced individual to learn from. This is also a person that you will need to feel comfortable working with on a regular basis. You will be sharing the hopes and plans for your enterprise with this person. Having a good relationship with your mentor can remove a lot of the tension from this teacher-student scenario. You don’t have to be best friends, but there must be a level of mutual respect in order for the relationship to be successful and productive.

Why Is a Mentor Important?

There is a saying, that there is no point in “reinventing the wheel”. Hiring a mentor is one good way to avoid doing that. Learning from your own mistakes is how many people learn. But when you hire a mentor, you get the chance to learn from the mistakes of others instead. This generally involves a lot less time and discomfort. Having a mentor means taking advantage of the knowledge and experience that they have accumulated. Your mentor will be well-acquainted with the problems and pitfalls that others have run into. They can successfully guide you around them, ensuring better success at starting and running your business.

A mentor can help teach you how to best manage your time between actually working with clients and running your business. It is very easy to focus too much on one and not enough on the other. But this can be a recipe for disaster. Once you find that balance with the help of your mentor, you are one step closer to enjoying ongoing personal success in your field.

When running a business, there are always legal requirements that you will need to be familiar with. You need to know about business licenses and insurance to protect both you and your business. If you hire anyone, you need to understand employment laws that must be followed. A mentor will be well familiar with these aspects of your business or they can refer you to legal or tax professionals that can help. This can be invaluable as you learn to work within “the system”.

Why Is My Mentor Charging Me?

There are many reasons a mentor may charge for their services. First of all, many mentors also have their own businesses to run. Taking time away from that business to teach you may be viewed as an expense for them. This expense needs to be recovered. A mentor may also charge you because they are sharing their experience with you. This experience was gained over years of them learning all the ins and outs of having their own NCS business. You are paying to learn from their experiences and the mistakes they made along the way. This experience is beyond value and despite the cost of paying for a mentor, learning from them will save you money and time in the long run.

Although sharing their personal knowledge is innately valuable, many mentors have also spent a lot of their own money and time taking classes. They’ve attended seminars, workshops, and done private research to get where they are. When you pay your mentor, you are benefiting from all the knowledge they have paid for along the way, as well.

The Next Steps

Every aspect of being an NCS requires an expertise that is difficult to quantify. By selecting the right mentor for you and your needs, you will be adding another level to your expertise. Taking advantage of the knowledge of others is a wonderful way to give yourself an advantage over your competition. While they struggle to obtain the experience needed to be successful, your mentor will be guiding you around most of these struggles and provided you with a serious “leg up” along the way. As you apply what you learn from your mentor, you may find yourself becoming more and more in demand. This may lead to expanding your client base, which in turn will lead to growing your staff and your business. Your mentor will be there through each of these stages, offering advice and counsel to keep your expansions manageable.

And perhaps one day down the road, you will decide to share your own knowledge as a Newborn Care Specialist Business owner, and mentor someone just like you.

To learn more about being mentored by founders Haleigh or Brittany, and instructor Joanna, please email info@newborncaretraining.com.

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/05/04/benefits-hiring-mentor-ncs-business/feed/0Join Us For The INA Conference NCS Track May 18-21, Chicagohttp://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/20/join-us-ina-conference-ncs-track-may-2017-chicago/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/20/join-us-ina-conference-ncs-track-may-2017-chicago/#respondThu, 20 Apr 2017 02:09:39 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2190If you’re a Newborn Care Specialist, we’d love for you to join us for the INA Conference NCS Track from May 18 through the 21 in Chicago, Illinois. Fun and educational, you don’t want to miss one moment! Join Us For the INA Conference NCS Track May 18-21, Chicago We are so excited! The International […]

]]>If you’re a Newborn Care Specialist, we’d love for you to join us for the INA Conference NCS Track from May 18 through the 21 in Chicago, Illinois. Fun and educational, you don’t want to miss one moment!

Join Us For the INA Conference NCS Track May 18-21, Chicago

We are so excited! The International Nanny Association (INA), an invaluable organization in the home child care industry since 1985, is putting on their annual conference this year from May 18 through the 21st! This is a great opportunity for Newborn Care Specialists, Nannies, and other child care professionals to come together, learn new things, and make new friends!

INA Conference NCS Track

The INA Conference schedule is split up into three tracks, to accommodate the needs of the various attendees. Of course, we all know that the Newborn Care Specialist track is the best, because it is for us! But don’t just take our word for it. Come join the fun for a weekend of networking and learning!

It All Kicks Off On Thursday May 18

The INA Conference kicks off Thursday May 18 at Noon, when registration opens. All attendees must register, and this is where you pick up your Name Badge and conference materials. You have until 6:30 PM when registration closes, but the earlier you get there, the better. You won’t be able to get into any official INA Conference NCS Track events without your name badge!

For first time attendees, the orientation hosted by the spectacular INA Conference Coordinator Kellie Geres is recommended. You’ll get some great info on what to expect from your INA Conference NCS Track experience and how to make the most of it.

And the Welcome Reception from 6 to 7:30 will give you a great chance to connect with people you know, and make new friends. But make sure you get to bed on time, because things get started early on Friday!

Friday May 19 Big Day for INA Conference NCS Track

Breakfast starts at 8am, getting you ready for a big day. At 9 am, you might want to check out the Keynote Address: Finding Your Own Work/ Life Balance: Tips on Work Life Balance from a Recovering Workaholic. Not part of the NCS track exclusively, this address is presented by Megan Metzger from Preferred ChildCare and is full of useful info for us all.

The NCS Track on Friday focuses a lot on dealing with sensitive issues that can come up as you work with different families. At 11:00 AM, you can learn about Cultural Differences & Sensitivity from Susan Labadi, a woman who has taught professors about diversity. And at 1:30 PM, Kathleen Braun Butler has some words of wisdom to share about Working with LGBTQ Families.

After you’ve had the chance to learn more about our wonderfully diverse world, you’ll get the chance to bliss out on the wonderful world of science. At 2:45 PM, Deborah McNelis will be doing a great presentation on Infant Brain Development, sharing some of the latest findings as to why and how attachment is so crucial for infants.

Saturday May 20 INA Conference NCS Track Networking and More

After a full conference day on Friday, Saturday is a bit more relaxed. You’ll get the chance to visit the vendor marketplace between 8 AM and 4 PM. This is where we’ll be so be sure to check it out!

There are a couple of presentations and a chance to ask questions from a panel of experts before enjoying some time designated just for networking, but all in all, Saturday is a more relaxed day.

Saturday is also the official close date of the conference. At 5:15 that evening, there will be a Closing Reception & Raffle with a cash bar and light appetizers available.

Register for the INA Conference NCS Track While You Can

If you are able to attend the INA Conference NCS Track, you won’t be sorry. The chance to get to know others in our industry is a priceless experience! To learn more about the planned events and to register for the fun and learning, visit this link. You only have until April 30th to Register, so don’t wait too long!

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/20/join-us-ina-conference-ncs-track-may-2017-chicago/feed/0Training Options for Becoming a Breastfeeding Specialisthttp://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/13/becoming-a-breastfeeding-specialist/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/13/becoming-a-breastfeeding-specialist/#respondThu, 13 Apr 2017 00:17:46 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2162Supporting the breastfeeding parent is integral to your career as a Newborn Care Specialist, and these training options for becoming a Breastfeeding Specialist are important to consider. Training Options For Becoming a Breastfeeding Specialist As a Newborn Care Specialist, it is your responsibility to provide your client’s baby with the best care possible. Caring for […]

]]>Supporting the breastfeeding parent is integral to your career as a Newborn Care Specialist, and these training options for becoming a Breastfeeding Specialist are important to consider.

Training Options For Becoming a Breastfeeding Specialist

As a Newborn Care Specialist, it is your responsibility to provide your client’s baby with the best care possible. Caring for your client’s newborn baby also means supporting the parents as they adjust to their new role.

One of the most important decisions a new parent can make is whether or not to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is, with few exceptions, the recommended way to feed newborns. So chances are high that you will need to know a bit about it.

One recommended step is continuing your education, such as seeking certification as a Breastfeeding Specialist. Not only is this beneficial to your career, it benefits the clients you serve. This training makes you better equipped to advise and support young mothers. Proper support greatly increases their chances of successful breastfeeding.

Breast milk is uniquely designed to feed newborn babies. It protects them from illness and provides them with perfect nutrition. So helping parents successfully breastfeed truly is important work.

Certified Breastfeeding Specialist Training

To become a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, you must train with an accredited organization. There are several different program options for gaining certification. A typical program involves approximately 40 hours of training in order to gain certification.

(NOTE: – This training is not to be confused with becoming a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), which requires much more extensive training.)

Three such options for certification are to become a Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS), a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), or a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE). Each of these options train you to work one on one with new parents. You’ll learn the best ways to support them as they establish a nursing relationship with their child. Which program you choose depends on your own needs and abilities. And it also depends on what you ultimately hope to achieve in your work as a Newborn Care Specialist.

Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS)

The Certified Lactation Specialist Course is perfect for Newborn Care Specialists who want to improve their skill set and knowledge base concerning breastfeeding. It is also a great first step for NCSs who wish to pursue an education as an IBCLC.

One important aspect of this practical course is that students will sharpen their counseling skills. They will become more comfortable with teaching new moms and families and will become more efficient at helping others in a hands-on capacity.

The CLS Training is offered in person, as a five day course. There are classes offered regularly around the country, giving students the opportunity to find a course located close to them. The five day course provides students with half the hours they need to qualify for the CLS exam. The other half of the hours required can be earned through taking the Home Study Courses offered by LEC, or by participating in other qualifying conferences.

One really helpful aspect of the LEC training course is that they offer a practice workbook with 50 multiple choice questions. This workbook will help you make sure you are ready to take your CLS exam, so you don’t attempt it before you are ready.

Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

A Certified Lactation Counselor is able to provide needed support to nursing mothers and children. For Newborn Care Specialists looking for other opportunities, a CLC can also find opportunities to work with the community through programs like WIC, hospitals, and community health departments.

The accredited 45 hour CLC course will prepare students to pass the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice Exam for certification.

You can find IN-PERSON training courses at locations all around the country, making it easier to find one that is close to you. You can register for the course online at this link, and see all the locations that are available to you.

Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)

The CAPPA program teaches you how to be a Certified Lactation Educator. Perfectly designed for Newborn Care Specialists, this course will qualify you to offer one to one support to breastfeeding parents and their newborns.

One distinctive advantage to the CAPPA Program is flexibility. There is a traditional in-person course option for those who are able to attend. Classes available are shown at this link, and you can register there, too.

But CAPPA also offers an online version of their course for those who are unable to attend the traditional in-person course, for a very similar price.

They also provide detailed information about all of the different requirements involved with getting your certification through their program. This is very helpful information to have when you are preparing for a course as extensive as this one.

Other Education Options

Each of these excellent organizations offer other educational opportunities for those who wish to extend their training even further. Even if you find that you want to pursue your Breastfeeding Specialist Certification with one group, you may find other classes of interest with another organization. There is no right or wrong. It is your Newborn Care Specialist Business and the areas you choose to specialize your education in is part of what makes your business unique to you.

What About Cost?

Pursuing certification for Breastfeeding Specialist will cost, on average, between $500 and $750. The cost depends not only on which organization you choose, but when you get your payment in. Most courses offer an “early bird” type discount for paying within a certain amount of time. Price is also dependent upon whether you take additional courses. And group discounts are available if you have the option of registering and attending with others

When you choose a career as a Newborn Care Specialist, continuing your education and seeking certification in other areas, such as becoming a Certified Breastfeeding specialist, is a matter of personal choice. But the more advanced and specialized your education, the more helpful you can be to new parents and their newborns. Increasing your marketability is always a good thing. These training options for becoming a breastfeeding specialist will help you do just that!

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/13/becoming-a-breastfeeding-specialist/feed/0The Importance of an LLC in Your Newborn Care Specialist Businesshttp://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/06/importance-of-an-llc/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/06/importance-of-an-llc/#respondThu, 06 Apr 2017 22:44:55 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2141There are many decisions to consider when starting your business and here, we’d like to address the importance of an LLC in your Newborn Care Specialist Business. The Importance of an LLC in Your Newborn Care Specialist Business Prior to creating your NCS business, there are a number of steps to consider. You want to […]

]]>There are many decisions to consider when starting your business and here, we’d like to address the importance of an LLC in your Newborn Care Specialist Business.

The Importance of an LLC in Your Newborn Care Specialist Business

Prior to creating your NCS business, there are a number of steps to consider. You want to give your new enterprise the best chance of succeeding, and creating a formal business plan is a good place to start. One of the first decisions you need to make is your business model. And for most small business owners, an LLC is the right choice.

What is An LLC?

There are many types of business models to choose from. There are partnerships, sole proprietorships and corporations to name a few. But for most small businesses, a Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is the right choice. The LLC status can provide you with the most benefits while limiting risks in case your business runs into problems.

Why An LLC is Important to Your Business

An LLC provides the financial benefits of pass-through taxation like you’d find in a partnership or sole proprietorship. This is combined with the limited liability usually available only to corporations. This pass-through feature means that profits and losses are “passed through” to each individual member of the LLC. This way, that information can be included in their personal federal tax returns.

The “limited liability” aspect of the business means that the liability of each member of the LLC is limited to a fixed amount. This is usually the amount the member originally invested in the business. A member of an LLC is not personally liable for any of the company’s debts, beyond that investment.

How to Form an LLC

There are surprisingly few steps to follow when forming a Limited Liability Company. The exact steps vary from state to state, but generally they include the following:

Name Your LLC

Make sure that your business name is properly descriptive of your Newborn Care Specialist business. This is especially important if your business will have an Internet presence since it will aid in online searches. You will want to make certain that your name is not already taken and that the URL you want is available if you plan to have a website.

Select Your Registered Agent

A registered agent is the person who will be responsible for sending and receiving papers on behalf of the company. You may select anyone in your company including yourself. But you may want to consider using a Registered Agent Service to make things easier.

File Articles of Organization

These filings can be done online in most states or you may download a form to submit.

Create an Operating Agreement

This is a fairly straightforward legal document that describes the structure, ownership and basic operating procedures for your LLC. Although it is not complex, it is also one of those documents which you may want to leave to an attorney.

Secure Your EIN

This is your Employer Identification Number or your Federal Tax Identification Number. Think of it as the Social Security Number for your business. You obtain this number after forming the LLC and it can actually be accomplished online from the IRS.

Beginning your newborn care specialist business is an exciting step, and by following these guidelines as they pertain to your specific state, your LLC status will protect you and give you a better chance at professional success.

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/04/06/importance-of-an-llc/feed/0The Importance of Self-Care for the NCShttp://newborncaretraining.com/2017/02/02/importance-of-self-care/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/02/02/importance-of-self-care/#respondThu, 02 Feb 2017 01:04:45 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2044As a Newborn Care Specialist, it can be challenging to remember the importance of self-care. But taking good care of yourself is the single most important thing you can do after taking care of your client’s newborn baby. The Importance of Self-Care Working as a Newborn Care Specialist or Doula is an incredibly rewarding job. […]

]]>As a Newborn Care Specialist, it can be challenging to remember the importance of self-care. But taking good care of yourself is the single most important thing you can do after taking care of your client’s newborn baby.

The Importance of Self-Care

Working as a Newborn Care Specialist or Doula is an incredibly rewarding job. You get to interact on a daily basis with beautiful babies as they and their parents adapt to their new life together. For anyone who understands the magic of cuddling a tiny infant, the rewards of this job are no mystery.

However, it is also hard work. During your working hours, you are solely responsible for your client’s baby, and newborns can be quite demanding. They don’t care if you need to use the restroom or if you haven’t had a chance to eat. They want and need what they want and need on their own schedule, with no regard for yours.

Additionally, it is very common for NCS’s to work overnight or in jobs that go 24/7. If you aren’t proactive about finding ways to take good care of yourself, you can easily end up suffering from sleep deprivation and other health issues before long.

The Perils of Sleep Deprivation

People often shrug off the importance of sleep. They may feel cranky and tired, but they pour a cup of coffee and rally forward, perhaps with a back-handed promise to “make up for it later.” But sleep deprivation can lead to serious issues more quickly than you might expect. Not only can it harm your mental well-being with bouts of depression and a loss of mental acuity, but it can affect you physically. Insufficient sleep has been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes and cancer, too!

Why it’s important to take care of yourself

Every human needs relaxation, enjoyment, and comfort. If you don’t take the time to nurture yourself, it undermines your quality of life, and it may even have a negative impact on your longevity. Self-care is vital to managing your own stress levels and maintaining your health. It is also the best thing you can do for the people who count on you. If you wear yourself down to nothing, you have nothing to give to anyone else, including your clients and their newborn babies!

Self-Care Tips for Newborn Care Specialists

1. Sleep When the Baby Sleeps

This advice is particularly important if you work 24/7 shifts. Just as new moms are advised, sleep when the baby sleeps (or when the newborn is spending time with parents) until you have 7 to 9 hours of good sleep each day.

2. Get at Least 30 minutes of Meaningful Activity Each Day

You may feel that you are busy enough with all your NCS responsibilities. But it is still important to get 30 minutes of meaningful and sustained activity. Whether you do some yoga or subscribe to a service like Daily Burn or simply take the baby out for a walk in a stroller, your body will thank you.

3. Eat the Healthiest Diet Possible

This can be challenging, depending on the dietary habits of your clients – especially if you work 24/7 positions. But most people are completely understanding if you wish to purchase your own food. If your diet is different from your clients, ask for a special place in the refrigerator to leave your food.

4. Take Time Each Day for Favorite Activities

Even on 24/7 jobs, you are almost certain to have a little time each day when you don’t need to catch up on sleep. Read a book. Knit a scarf. Play a video game or watch a TV show you enjoy. Whatever you choose, just spend time doing something enjoyable that relaxes and recharges you.

5. Connect with Others

Spend some time with friends on your day off. If you travel for your job and are in an unfamiliar area, you can still get out into the world. When you have a few hours off (and you don’t need to catch up on sleep), take in a movie or spend time at a library or the park. Call someone you love. Even spending time on Social Media can give you the chance to communicate with others and reduce feelings of isolation.

Taking good care of yourself is important, especially when your job is taking care of others. Sufficient sleep, proper nutrition and activity, and stress-relieving downtime are all profoundly important to your mental and physical well-being. Not only is proper self-care important for you, but it is also the best thing you can do for your client and their newborns.

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/02/02/importance-of-self-care/feed/04moms Just Recalled Self Installing Car Seatshttp://newborncaretraining.com/2017/01/27/4moms-recalls-self-installing-seats/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/01/27/4moms-recalls-self-installing-seats/#respondFri, 27 Jan 2017 18:37:34 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=20364moms Just Recalled Their Self Installing Car Seat Both Haleigh and I are car seat junkies, really, baby gear in general. The ABC Baby Expo is our heaven on Earth. When we saw the 4moms self-installing car seat debut at the expo a few years ago we were excited for the possibility of it leading […]

Both Haleigh and I are car seat junkies, really, baby gear in general. The ABC Baby Expo is our heaven on Earth. When we saw the 4moms self-installing car seat debut at the expo a few years ago we were excited for the possibility of it leading to fewer car seats being installed incorrectly. And let’s be honest, it’s just a really neat concept. We were disappointed to learn of the 4moms car seat recall, but thankfully, this defect is estimated to only affect 2% of the 1,622 car seats manufactured in 2016. Read on to learn more info.

4moms released this statement:

“During our investigation, we discovered a potential issue with the infant carrier’s coupling hooks – the hooks that lock the carrier into the base. In some carriers, the coupling hooks have been improperly riveted, potentially causing them to stick and fail to attach to the car seat base. This defect has only been observed after extended use and testing, and there have been no reported injuries.”

What you Need to Know

Product being recalled: 4moms Self Installing Car Seat

Dates of manufacture that are possibly affected: July 1, 2016- October 31, 2016

How to determine if a car seat is recalled: https://www.4moms.com/recalls/ics_recall

If you have any questions regarding the 4moms self installing car seat recall, you can contact their Customer Care Team at 1-888-614-6667.

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/01/27/4moms-recalls-self-installing-seats/feed/0The 4 B’s for Newborns and Why They Workhttp://newborncaretraining.com/2017/01/27/4-bs-newborns-work/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/01/27/4-bs-newborns-work/#respondFri, 27 Jan 2017 03:25:58 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2032As a Newborn Care Specialist, utilizing the 4 B’s for Newborns will help you immensely when sleep training your client’s infant. But what are the 4 B’s for Newborns, and why do they work? The 4 B’s For Newborns and Why They Work Newborn babies are magic. One of the best parts of being a […]

]]>As a Newborn Care Specialist, utilizing the 4 B’s for Newborns will help you immensely when sleep training your client’s infant. But what are the 4 B’s for Newborns, and why do they work?

The 4 B’s For Newborns and Why They Work

Newborn babies are magic. One of the best parts of being a Newborn Care Specialist is being able to spend so much time cuddling and nurturing a new baby.

But babies need structure and routine as much as they need nurturing. One of the more important aspects of your job is to help establish healthy routines for parents and their newborns. And the best way to establish a healthy bedtime routine is with the 4 B’s for newborns.

What Are the 4 B’s for Newborns?

The 4 B’s stand for Bath, Book, Bottle or Breast, and Bed. Used together, they provide a valuable routine to signal to your client’s newborn that it is time for sleep.

Bath – Bathing in warm water is relaxing to people of any age. Beginning an infant’s bedtime routine with a warm bath makes the baby feel nurtured and soothed, and encourages drowsiness. The purpose of this bath is relaxation rather than cleanliness, so it’s fine to forgo the soap, especially if the infant has dry skin.

Book – Once the baby is fresh, dry, and changed for bed, cuddle the infant close for some reading time. One to three age-appropriate books are recommended. Even before an infant can understand the words spoken, the soothing cadence of your voice is another important signal that it is time for sleep.

Bottle or Breast – After (or during) reading time, give the newborn a bedtime feeding with bottle or breast. Even if the infant ate an hour ago, this bedtime feeding is a strong signal that it is time to sleep and it will allow the infant to “top off.” In fact, newborn babies will often begin to fall asleep while feeding.

Bed – Lay the drowsy infant in their bed in a darkened room. Stay for a few minutes, if necessary, quietly soothing the newborn as they fall asleep.

It may take a little time for the routine to become established. But with repetition and patience, you’ll soon find that your client’s newborn slips off to sleep more easily each evening.

Why Routines Work

Children thrive on routines. Predictability and structure give them a sense of comfort and security. Infants are no exception, even newborns. An established bedtime routine calms and soothes your client’s baby. It signals to their minds that it is time to relax and prepare for sleep. It even communicates to their body that it is time to release sleep-inducing hormones.

Helpful Tips For Peaceful Sleep

As you begin utilizing the 4 B’s for Newborns as a bedtime routine, it is helpful to keep the following tips in mind.

Establish Routines Early – The sooner you begin following the same steps each night as you prepare the infant for sleep, the sooner the newborn will respond

Place Baby to Sleep When Drowsy – Make sure the infant is drowsy when laying them down. If the newborn is too awake or unsettled, they may become distressed and cry. A pattern of crying and distress at bedtime can lead to sleep problems, the very opposite of what you are looking to achieve.

Create a Peaceful Environment – As you guide your client’s infant through their bedtime routine, make sure your environment is calm, relaxing, and conducive to sleep. White noise or gentle, quiet music, a darkened room, and soothing voices are all helpful in providing a peaceful environment.

Be Consistent – Establishing a bedtime routine requires consistency and patience. It may take a while for the newborn to catch on. Even when the routine seems established, there will be nights when things go wrong. Don’t lose faith and don’t give up.

Instilling healthy sleep patterns in the newborn babies in your charge is an important part of your job as a Newborn Care Specialist. By using the 4 B’s for Newborns, you will give young babies and their parents all the tools they need to ensure happy bedtime routines throughout their lives.

]]>http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/01/27/4-bs-newborns-work/feed/0Six Ways to Increase your NCS Incomehttp://newborncaretraining.com/2017/01/17/six-ways-to-increase-your-ncs-income/
http://newborncaretraining.com/2017/01/17/six-ways-to-increase-your-ncs-income/#respondTue, 17 Jan 2017 22:23:26 +0000http://newborncaretraining.com/?p=2024If you love newborn babies, a career as a Newborn Care Specialist might be the perfect path for you. More than a nanny or babysitter, Newborn Care Specialists educate new parents and assist them in newborn care. An NCS position is typically temporary, lasting from two weeks to a few months. Salary is strongly connected […]

If you love newborn babies, a career as a Newborn Care Specialist might be the perfect path for you. More than a nanny or babysitter, Newborn Care Specialists educate new parents and assist them in newborn care. An NCS position is typically temporary, lasting from two weeks to a few months. Salary is strongly connected with the expertise of the individual Newborn Care Specialist.

This career path is emotionally rewarding and financially lucrative. Pay is typically $18 an hour and up, depending on certification and specialization. If Newborn Care is your path, advancing your career is always within your reach. If more money is one of your goals, these six ways to increase you NCS income will help guide you forward.

Get Educated

If you have not yet been officially trained as a Newborn Care Specialist, consider doing so soon. You may have raised five babies and feel you have no need for formal training, but going through a training program, such as our Newborn Care Specialist Workshop, fine tunes your knowledge. Workshops educate you about aspects of newborn care you may be unfamiliar with. You’ll learn all about formula, breastfeeding and how to support a breastfeeding mom, feeding schedules, sleep schedules, sensory stimulation, and so much more.

Formal education tells prospective employers that you are serious about your education and career. It offers added reassurance that they and their baby are safe in your hands. This translates to better pay!

Continue Your Education

Becoming a formally trained Newborn Care Specialist is only the beginning. The more you specialize your training, the better prepared you will be to help parents and their newborn babies. Consider training as a Certified Lactation Consultant so you know how to support nursing moms. Become a Certified Postpartum Doula so you are better able to offer care to the new mother as well as her new baby. Take one of our advanced workshops to gain expertise in Sleep Management, Breastfeeding, or Developing Your Business. Get certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and help parents learn how to keep their little ones safe while on the road.

Specializing your training allows you to offer more to your clients – and to ask for better pay in return.

Offer Consultations

Advancing your education and becoming certified in a number of areas gives you the opportunity to become a consultant. Offering consultations is a great way to earn more money. Consultant fees can be as much as three times your normal hourly rate (or more!), making this a great way to increase your earning substantially. Along with with, your expertise in certain areas will allow you to teach classes to groups of expecting or new parents.

Consider Relocating

As with most jobs, different areas of the country offer better pay or more opportunities for work. If you are in an area where job opportunities are scarce, it might be worth considering a move. Fortunately, networking and determination makes it easier to search for your next perfect location. With advanced education and specialized certification, you’ll be well qualified for more lucrative assignments.

Consider 24-Hour and Travel Assignments

While the thought of a normal eight-hour-a-day work assignment might be the most attractive to you, you can earn as much as $350 to $800+ a day when you take 24-hour positions. Likewise, travel jobs are typically 24-hour-a-day assignments with great pay, with the added attraction of providing you the opportunity to visit new places. These jobs can definitely be challenging, especially for those with a family. However, they are a wonderful opportunity to earn great money!

Specialize in Caring for Multiple Babies

Having one newborn baby in the house can be a challenge for most new parents. But when their new arrival turns out to be twins, triplets, or even quadruplets, the difficulty multiplies with each baby. Specializing in caring for multiple newborns makes you uniquely qualified for these demanding positions. Not only will you earn higher wages, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the help you are offering is absolutely crucial to the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of the newborns and their harried parents as they adjust to their instant full-sized family.

By providing exemplary care to newborn babies and their parents, a Newborn Care Specialist can make all the difference to a new family. Helping to give new babies the best start in life is one of the most emotionally rewarding jobs around. These six ways to increase your NCS income will help ensure that it will be a financially rewarding job as well.